New Delhi: Punjab Kings (PBKS) splurged Rs 26.75 crore to acquire Shreyas Iyer, making him the costliest pick in IPL auction history. The IPL 2024-winning captain was in high demand, and PBKS, with a large purse, pushed hard to secure him. Iyer’s record was later surpassed by Rishabh Pant, who was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 27 crore.
Speaking to the official broadcaster during the break, PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting revealed that Iyer had not answered his call before the mega-auction.
“I haven’t spoken to him yet about the captaincy,” Ponting said. “I tried calling him before the auction, but he didn’t pick up. He’s been a successful captain in the IPL, and I worked with him for 3-4 years in Delhi, where he won the championship last season. I’m excited to work with him again, and if he can replicate that success for us in the IPL, I’ll be very happy.”
